CELEBRITY BASKETBALL GAME TO DELIVER MESSAGE

SIKESTON -- Bootheel celebrities will face off Saturday in the fight against hypertension.

The Scott County Heart Health Coalition, along with several businesses and agencies, is sponsoring "Throw Down on Hypertension," a celebrity basketball game slated for 3 p.m. Saturday inside the Sikeston Field House.

Players will include Otto Porter, Homer Jackson, Mashaun West, Jeremy Biles, Allen Hatchett, Steven Geralds, Garrett Taylor and Brian Coleman.

"Just like control makes you a winner in a basketball game, control can help you fight hypertension," organizer Dianne Jackson, a registered nurse, said. "You have to control your intake of alcohol, salt and fatty foods and remember to take your blood pressure medicine."

During the game, there will be blood pressure screenings and health care professionals will answer questions about high blood pressure and ways to prevent it.